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In Order. It's About The Journey

February 12, 2017. Exodus 39-40.

 

The Israelites continue to be on task in their obedience, “as the LORD had commanded”, in our reading today.

Exodus 39 begins telling about the making of the garment (ephod) for the very first priest of Israel, Aaron, Moses brother, and the tunics of the priesthood.

Let’s remember these were very skilled artisans that were called by God to do all that was commanded (Ex. 39:3, 36:1). Can’t you just picture them doing their work heartily, as to the Lord with every detail? (Col.3:23)

The three highlighted colors of the robe, the blue, purple, and scarlet, notice always in this order, along with the settings of pure gold, would depict the very garment for a king. 

Blue like the heavens, purple royalty, and scarlet the color of blood. The breastplate, covering the heart was mounted with 4 rows of 12 different precious stones, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel/Gods people.  

What a beautiful visual that Aaron, as the high priest, was to wear. The gospel story in each preconceived detail! 

Remember today that you are loved and strengthened and made secure by Jesus our high priest. 

When we look closer in chapter 40, the wording has changed from “they” chapter 39 to “you”. They (the people) were involved in the construction of the Tabernacle, but Moses was responsible for the setting up of the “earthly meeting place” with God. Everything was to be in the proper place and was recorded in the descending order of the most holy of items. From the inside of the Tabernacle, to the outer court area.

 

The Glory of God would literally fill the place, after Moses had finished the work that was commanded! (Exodus 40:33, 34)

It must have been so exciting to come to this appointed day in their journey!

You see the Lord was the guide to the Israelites as the cloud by day and the fire by night throughout their journey. (Exodus 40:38, 13; 21, 22) He never changed, He was present with them from the very beginning of this journey from Egypt, leading them on the right path to the promised land of Canaan.

What an assurance we can have that the Lord is with us, wanting to show us the right way to go, when we choose obedience to Him! 

He is nearer than we sometimes think or feel…He wants us to recognize and know His presence.

And so the book of Exodus comes to an end-but not the journey ….

Terri Hill

Terri has placed her hope and faith in the Lord Jesus, and is grateful to be a wife, the mother to four amazing children, and finds joy in her practically perfect, three grandchildren! ...more